The mission of the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) is to prevent and eliminate discrimination through:

• The fair application of the law
• The efficient use of resources
• Productive partnerships with the community

Our History

How We Got Here

• In 1949, Washington State enacted its first civil rights statute to protect individuals from discrimination in employment based on race, color, or national origin.
• The Washington Board Against Discrimination (WBAD) was created to enforce the law.
• At that time:
  • Public accommodations were protected only by case law.
  • Housing protections were limited and weak.
• In 1971, the Board was restructured and renamed the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC).

What We Do

Jurisdiction

WSHRC enforces Washington State civil rights laws born from state and national civil rights movements.

We investigate discrimination in these areas:

• Employment
• Housing
• Public accommodations
• Credit and insurance
• State employee whistleblower retaliation

We do not have jurisdiction over:

• Police misconduct
• Federal agencies
• Tribal governments
• Employers with fewer than 8 employees
• Religious organizations (with some exceptions)
• Incidents outside the State of Washington
• Incidents outside the legal statute of limitations
• Torture, disappearances, hate crimes, or human trafficking

Enforcement and Legal Authority

• WSHRC is a neutral fact-finding agency.
• We are deemed “substantially equivalent” to:
  • The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  • The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
• We do not provide legal advice or advocacy services.
• Discrimination complaints must be filed within specific time limits, as established by law.
• Our legal authority comes from Chapter 49.60 RCW.
• Despite being a small agency (fewer than 50 employees), we serve all Washington residents.

The Role of WSHRC Investigators

• Conduct impartial investigations into discrimination complaints
• Review and analyze relevant facts and evidence
• Make findings and legal recommendations
• Attempt to resolve complaints through mediation or other means

Commission Governance

• WSHRC is governed by five Commissioners, appointed by the Governor of Washington.
• Commissioners:
  • Set policy direction
  • Adopt rules and regulations
  • Meet monthly to review investigative recommendations and oversee agency operations